Odyssey, a solo exhibition by Von Wolfe housed in Istanbul's Yeldegirmeni Sanat Church; takes place from the 5th – 15th October, during 212 Photography Istanbul Festival.
Situated in the heart of Istanbul, a city where the threads of ancient and contemporary history intertwine, Odyssey stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of women. Drawing inspiration from the poignant Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women housed in the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, the artworks in Odyssey engage in a subtle dialogue with the cities layered history. The marble work of the mourning women, with its raw emotional outpour, resonates with the contemporary tales of turmoil showcased in Von Wolfe's, Odyssey.
By reimagining Homers male-dominated narrative of Odysseus's tumultuous journey on the ocean and placing women at the forefront, the exhibition challenges traditional gender roles and emphasises the universality of human experience and resilience, irrespective of identity.
Beyond the reference to Homer's saga, the number of figures featured in Odyssey draws parallels to the biblical narrative of Christ and his twelve disciples. The thirteen figures in this exhibition, with the monumental artwork, Ebon, at the altar representing a Christ-like figure, symbolise leadership, sacrifice, resilience and strength. The powerful representation in the Yeldegirmeni Sanat Church further reinforces this resonance, creating a multi-layered narrative that merges ancient religious motifs with contemporary tales of perseverance.
Featuring twelve powerful depictions of women who battle against the raging seas and unforgiving terrains, the exhibition presents a vivid tableau of emotion, strength and resilience. Their self-assured contemporary attire, juxtaposed with the primal act of screaming, presents a complex interplay of vulnerability and determination. These visual vignettes create a compelling tapestry, illuminating the heroines’ varied journeys.
The thirteenth piece, a monumental artwork at the altar towering four meters high, showcases a contemporary woman, cloaked in leather, standing alongside a commanding black dog. This enigmatic duo captures the essence of the exhibition—radiating resilience, mystery, and an unyielding spirit.
The exhibition epitomises the symbiotic relationship between the artist and cutting-edge technology; Von Wolfe's creative process oscillates between intuitive human judgment and a sophisticated node-based system employing diffusion models. The resultant images are suffused with an ethereal beauty and remarkable detail. The chosen medium of transmounted chromogenic transparencies showcased on a series of aluminium light boxes serve as an eloquent tribute to Istanbul's storied tradition of illuminated artistry—from the glowing mosaics of Hagia Sophia to the incandescent stained glass of the Blue Mosque.